The alarm clock blared at seven, but Lola was already awake. She slapped it silent and sat up, her body aching from the awkward half-sleep she’d managed in short, jagged bursts. Her head pounded, her mouth tasted stale, and her nerves buzzed like live wires under her skin.The first thing she did was check the door again. Still locked. Still intact. No new notes waiting for her on the floor.Still, the paranoia didn’t ease.She showered longer than usual, letting the hot water scald her awake. In the fogged mirror, her reflection looked like someone else eyes bloodshot, cheeks hollow from exhaustion, jaw tight with a mixture of fear and fury.Pull it together, Lola. You can’t let them see you unravel.By the time she got dressed and slung her bag over her shoulder, she had forced her mask back on. Calm, collected, untouchable. But inside, she was buzzing with questions.Stepping into the hallway, her stomach clenched. Every door she passed seemed suspicious. Every student walking by c
Last Updated : 2025-09-03 Read more